Cañon City Office Depot gives 750 backpacks to area schools

Office Depot store manager John Picarella, left, hands a backpack to Hope Kolman as her sister Ava Kolman and mom Amanda Kolman watch Wednesday outside the store. Picarella announced their plans to donate 750 backpacks with school supplies to Cañon City and Florence students. (Jeff Shane/Daily Record)

Outfitting and preparing students for the beginning of a new school year doesn't always come cheap.

The Office Depot in Cañon City has stepped in once again to help parents stretch their budgets a little further. Store manager John Picarella invited Fremont County school administrators and staff to a presentation Wednesday, where he gave 750 backpacks to area schools on behalf of the store -- 600 to Cañon City schools and 150 to Florence-Penrose schools.

"We appreciate them stepping up and helping some of our students who are coming from families that really struggle to make ends meet," said Dr. Robin Gooldy, superintendent for the Cañon City School District. "With the cost of what it takes to be ready for school, this will really help out parents."

The backpacks also are filled with basic school supplies, and they will be distributed to elementary schools based on enrollment for students in need.

"When you think about supplies for that many kids in elementary grades, this will be supplies for about 30 percent of our kids," Gooldy said.

Picarella said he has four kids of his own that attend Cañon City schools.

"Normally, we get 300 backpacks, we've been lucky enough to get 750 for Fremont County," he said. "I think it's going to make a really big difference in what our kids in the community have."

Since Office Depot opened its doors in Cañon City in 2008, it has donated more than 2,100 backpacks with school supplies to Fremont County students.

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Wednesday's presentation marked the second year they hosted an informal breakfast event for educators.

"John has gone above and beyond contacting other stores and getting supplies from them," Gooldy said. "He really takes the initiative to go get more than what we normally would have in our community, and we really appreciate that."

Larry Otte, principal of Harrison K-8 School, said he appreciates the support of Office Depot. He said the donation helps students be able to function and have what they need to be successful.

Office Depot store manager John Picarella, right, speaks to a small crowd Wednesday outside the store. Picarella announced their plans to donate 750 backpacks with school supplies to Cañon City and Florence students. (Jeff Shane/Daily Record)

"It's a great help to be able to give families some support and some supplies and book bags that for some it's hard to afford," he said.

Lincoln School of Science and Technology Principal Tammy DeWolfe said one of the first things students are excited about in going back to school is having their new supplies.

"It helps all of those kids feel like they're getting off on the right step to school," she said.

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